The productivity of your business trip often comes down to a
seemingly minor accessory: the battery. If it runs out, you may as
well watch the in-flight movie. Until a few years ago, you had two
power choices: the older, less expensive nickel-cadmium battery and
the newer but more volatile lithium-ion variety.

Times are changing. For example, consider Electric Fuel's
new line of disposable batteries. They're easy to use, last up
to 12 hours, and are ideal for travelers who don't want to lug
rechargers, adapters or other bulky peripherals. Prices range from
about $14 to $19, depending on the model. But these batteries are
really meant to be used in an emergency, when the closest plug is
miles away.

One of the most promising developments for busy road warriors is
Rayovac's 1-Hour Nickel Metal Hydride Charger, believed to be
the only battery charger on the market that charges high-capacity
nickel metal hydride batteries in just one hour. It can accommodate
either a combination of up to four AA or AAA batteries in one hour,
or one nine-volt battery in two to three hours. As with other
rechargers, this one's no lightweight. Price: $29.99, not
including batteries.

But the future of battery technology may be even more exciting,
says Donald Sadoway, a professor of materials science and
engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a
nationally recognized battery expert. In just a few years, he
expects new batteries to become available that will last up to
three times longer than anything on the market today. The new
technology will also look different, using solid materials that can
fit any device. According to Sadoway, "We're very close to
being there."

Christopher Elliott is a writer and commentator and the
editor of www.elliott.org.